Yesterday, I made trip to the Costco store in Brandywine, MD to pick up food and essentials for everyday living. As I drove into the parking lot, I noticed how crowded it was for a weekday afternoon. Grocery list in hand, I had great expectations of what items would be available because after all, this is Costco. Even with the current CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) pandemic spreading across the US and the world, I was confident that Costco would be well stocked. Not exactly!

As I walked into the store and flashed my Costco membership card, the ID checker pleasantly wiped down the handlebar on my shopping cart with disinfectant. I was glad Costco is taking active measures to stop the spread of the CORONAVIRUS.

Once in the store, I headed straight to the meat department. As I approached the display cases for chicken and fish, I immediately saw they were empty. “Wow” I said to myself. I then made my way over to the other cases where beef and pork are displayed. The first thing I noticed was there was no more ground beef. So much for my brontosaurus burgers I wanted to make, I thought to myself. However, some of the more expensive beef items were available, like briskets and steaks. I was able to pick up one of the last three pot roasts (2 pack) for $26 so I was happy.

Next on my list was bread, so I casually pushed my cart over to that area and I noticed the scarcity as I approached the bread racks. Luckily, I was able to find a 2 pack of my favorite brand.

Going down my list, next was water, paper towels and toilet tissue which are generally stored in the same area in most Costco stores. Once again as I approached, I could see they were completely out of all paper products.

Lastly, I needed to get some eggs. So again, I made my way over to the glass refrigerated rooms where eggs, milk, etc. is normally stored…….and yes! There were eggs available. However, there was one catch as the signed read “SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE, THERE IS A LIMIT OF 1 PACKAGE OF EGGS, PER MEMBER, PER DAY”. Well, I had no choice but to pick up that 1 package of eggs (24 ct). I wasn’t disappointed though. I normally purchase 1 pack anyway.

At this point I was bit dissatisfied with my Costco experience, so I had to mosey on up to the check-out line. Interesting enough, there was only one check out line although several cashier lanes were open. Three employees were ushering members to the cashiers. My assumption was they were trying to limit any potential chaos and keep the line moving rapidly......and they were doing a good job of it.

So, my hat is off to you Costco. I understand. It’s as simple as supply and demand due to the CORONAVIRUS pandemic. People are beginning to panic. The Governor of Maryland has closed bars, restaurants, and casinos. Schools are already closed for two weeks. Hopefully, most grocery stores in the area will soon be able to keep up with the demand during this pandemic.

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I'm Angelo Rhodes, your local Realtor who lives in Upper Marlboro, MD. I enjoy helping people buy and sell houses while keeping you informed of the local real estate market.
Questions?
Call me at 240-535-1855